Ivanilda Silva , LICSW

Ivanilda Silva is a licensed clinical social worker and the CEO and Creative Wellness Director at I.N.V.A.L.I.A. Holistic Center. She blends a deep commitment to healing with creative practices such as dance and poetry, and brings expressive movement and somatic awareness into her therapeutic work. Her practice focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family challenges, grief, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions, while also addressing issues like ADHD, compassion fatigue, intimacy-related difficulties, and career or parenting stress.

Silva holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Cameron University (2005), a Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma (2008), and a Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies: Dance/Movement Therapy with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University (2017). She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts and is also a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist, reflecting specialized training in movement-based mental health work. In addition, she is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, bringing creative, body-centered tools to support emotional resilience.

With 17 years of professional experience across inpatient and outpatient settings, Silva has worked with adults facing PTSD, learning challenges, and life transitions, and has facilitated couples workshops and parent support groups. She has provided telehealth services since 2015 and accepts clients in Massachusetts as well as international clients. Silva integrates evidence-based therapies and expressive approaches to tailor treatment to each person’s needs and goals, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-informed work, cognitive and emotion-focused methods alongside movement-based practices.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Ivanilda Silva uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-based approaches, and emotionally focused methods to guide online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed, and take committed action toward a meaningful life; it is often used for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores relationship patterns that originate in early bonds and helps people build safer, more secure connections with partners, family members, and themselves; it can be useful for abandonment, intimacy, and relationship concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on identifying and reshaping emotional responses in close relationships to improve connection and reduce distress.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Silva works with clients to identify goals, preferences, and responses to different methods, and she adapts interventions over time so therapy fits each person’s needs. Licensed professionals bring training in these modalities and tailor them to individual circumstances.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, by phone, or through live chat and text-based messaging. This range of options makes it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, to stay connected during life transitions, and to access consistent support from a licensed therapist regardless of geographic constraints.